The dragon's body is carved from a solid block of chlorite schist found in the nearby Krastal quarry.
The sculptor Ulrich Vogelsang completed the statue in 1593, following earlier designs by master stonemason Michael Hönel.
The Hercules figure wielding a club was added to the fountain later, in 1636, to provide a heroic contrast to the dragon.
The entire fountain, including the Hercules figure, was constructed to symbolize the founding of Klagenfurt and the taming of the landscape.
The dragon's open mouth serves as the primary water spout for the fountain.
It is the largest statue ever carved from a single piece of stone in the Carinthia region.
The Lindwurmbrunnen is a Renaissance-style fountain located in the center of Neuer Platz in Klagenfurt, Austria. Created in the 1590s, the monument features a winged dragon sculpted from a single massive block of chlorite schist. The dragon design is based on the local legend of a beast that purportedly terrorized the surrounding marshes before being slain by local knights. It serves as the city's heraldic emblem and a central landmark. The fountain is periodically cleaned and restored to preserve the integrity of the 16th-century stonework. It remains a key focal point for public gatherings and city tours. As of June 2026, the fountain is open to the public and well-maintained.
From the western end of Neuer Platz, looking east to capture both the dragon and the town hall background.
Visit during the morning to photograph the dragon without crowds blocking the view.
Walk around the entire perimeter to view the distinct scale textures carved into the stone.
Combine your visit with a short walk to the nearby Maria-Theresia-Park.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the dragon statue, as it is a protected historical monument.
